Impotently — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb /ˈim-pə-tənt/ im·po·tent

Meaning & Definition of Impotently

Impotently (adjective)

  1. not potent, lacking in power, strength, or vigor, helpless
  2. unable to engage in sexual intercourse because of inability to have and maintain an erection; broadly, sterile
  3. incapable of self-restraint, ungovernable

Impotently (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in ineffectually, uncertainly

    similar: ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, uncertainly, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly, lazily, listlessly, spiritlessly, delicately, faintly, frailly, shakily, feebly, gently, softly, weakly
    opposite: dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard, mightily, muscularly, powerfully, roundly, stiffly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, sturdily, vigorously, fiercely, hammer and tongs, robustly, roughshod, sharply, vehemently, violently, actively, animatedly, briskly, crisply, eagerly, gamely, heartily, lustily, snappily, spiritedly, spunkily, vivaciously

Related Entry: Impotent (adjective)

Impotent is a different word from Impotently. The synonyms below are for impotent, not for impotently.

  1. not able to produce fruit or offspring

    "most mules are impotent"

    similar: barren, fruitless, infertile, sterile, unfruitful
    related: altered, desexed, neutered, sterilized, castrated, emasculated, gelded, spayed, unproductive
    opposite: fat, fertile, fruitful
    near: fecund, luxuriant, productive, prolific, enriched, fertilized, rich, impregnated, pregnant, potent, bearing, producing, yielding, blooming, bursting, flourishing, swarming, teeming

  2. unable to act or achieve one's purpose

    "an impotent ruler who was just a figurehead"

    similar: hamstrung, handcuffed, helpless, high and dry, hog-tied, impuissant, paralyzed, powerless, weak
    related: incapable, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, inept, unfit, useless, feeble, frail, infirm, passive, spineless, supine, unaggressive
    opposite: mighty, potent, powerful, puissant, strong
    near: able, capable, competent, effective, efficient, authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, dictatorial, magisterial, tyrannical, dominant, dynamic, energetic, forceful, robust, sturdy, tough, vigorous, important, major, significant, high-level, senior, top

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Impotently

The most common words with a similar meaning to Impotently:

ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, uncertainly, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly, lazily, listlessly, spiritlessly, delicately, faintly, frailly, shakily, feebly, gently, softly, weakly

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Impotently

Words with the opposite meaning of Impotently:

dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard, mightily, muscularly, powerfully, roundly, stiffly, stoutly, strenuously, strongly, sturdily, vigorously, fiercely, hammer and tongs, robustly, roughshod, sharply, vehemently, violently, actively, animatedly, briskly, crisply, eagerly, gamely

Word Forms of Impotently

Derived words: impotent (noun), impotently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Impotently

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Impotently

What does "Impotently" mean?

"Impotently" means not potent, lacking in power, strength, or vigor, helpless. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: not potent, lacking in power, strength, or vigor, helpless.

What is another word for "Impotently"?

Other words for "Impotently" include ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, uncertainly, bloodlessly and halfheartedly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Impotently" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Impotently"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Impotently". Common alternatives include ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly, uncertainly, bloodlessly, halfheartedly, languidly and lazily.

What is the opposite of "Impotently"?

Antonyms of "Impotently" include dynamically, energetically, explosively, firmly, forcefully, forcibly, hard and mightily.

Is "Impotently" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Impotently" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Impotently"?

"Impotently" is pronounced /ˈim-pə-tənt/ and divided into syllables as im·po·tent.

What is the origin of the word "Impotently"?

"Impotently" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin impotent-, impotens, from in- + potent-, potens potent. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Impotently" meaning "as in ineffectually, uncertainly"?

When "Impotently" (adverb) means as in ineffectually, uncertainly, synonyms include ineffectively, ineffectually, lamely, nervelessly, spinelessly and uncertainly. Opposites in this sense include dynamically, energetically, explosively and firmly.